One of the most widespread diseases could be developing in your mouth right now! According to a recent study by the CDC, nearly half of adults aged 30 years and older nationwide have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is infection around and inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial plaque, a colorless film, which sticks to your teeth at the gum line. Disease ranges from gingivitis, marked by red, tender, and inflamed gums, to advanced cases of periodontitis where the gums begin to pull away from teeth, and can lead to bone and tooth loss.
Dr. Randy Nolf is a Periodontist who has been practicing dentistry for over forty years. At Horizon Dental Care, he specializes in dental implants and the treatment and care of periodontal disease. Dr. Nolf firmly believes that gum disease can be intercepted before it requires advance treatment. “Daily brushing and flossing are important, but nothing replaces regular professional, dental cleanings and check-ups,” he advises. “When we detect the presence of gum disease in a patient, we act fast to prevent it from spreading further. If caught early, we might even be able to reverse the damage with professional deep cleaning, called scaling, and medication,” he adds. Advanced periodontitis may require surgery to restore some health to gums. If the tooth stability and bone is compromised restorative treatments such as implants may be required. Fortunately for his patients, Dr. Nolf is a leading specialist in periodontal surgery, but he admits, “I really hope to keep my patients from progressing to that stage of the disease”.
Horizon Dental Care has four full service dental offices and the first checkup is free for new adult patients, visit www.horizondentalcares.com.
